Despite the continuing weather and surf conditions, determined local anglers managed to find some action last week. Surfcasting for perch is beginning to pick up, Dungeness crabs are still crawling and even few steelhead trout were caught in our area.

The Santa Cruz Harbor entrance is still shoaled, according to the Harbormaster's Office. The dredge has been working for a couple weeks, but is just keeping up with the new sand being deposited by the succession of swells and heavy currents generated by almost constant storms this month. Establishing a full navigable channel is "weather dependent," according to the Harbormaster. Mariners are advised to call that office at 831-475-6161 for conditions before attempting to enter or leave the harbor.

Captain Jim Rubin made it out again this week, and returned with five limits of Dungeness crab for his efforts. He continues to trap off our North Coast in 180-220 feet of water.

Veteran surfcaster Ron Martin reported in last week. He kept a couple nice-sized barred surfperch working the beaches south of Capitola. "I fished this morning and found some nice fish. I kept two to eat and put the rest back. They were all nice fish about one pound give or take, all males so maybe the big females are not far behind. I caught all my fish on the camo sandworms."

One advantage of these big storms is the structure being created along our beaches. Big troughs and "holes" and newly exposed reefs all provide feeding zones for perch that are in spawning mode this time of year. It seems like the perch are coming a bit late this year, but they should stick around well into spring. We want to remind readers the Sixth Annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament is scheduled for March 20 this year. The tourney benefits The Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project each year and provides tons of fun and prizes for participants. Entry forms can be picked up at Bayside Marine at the Santa Cruz harbor, and at The Angler's Choice on 41st Avenue in Capitola. Entries can also be easily downloaded at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com

Steelhead season is getting off to a slow start as well this year, according to fisherman Joe Baxter. After the recent rains, our local streams have plenty of water, and finally a few fish are making the foray upstream. " There's plenty of water, and we had a decent push of fish. They are scattered all the way up river, from Paradise Park to the Brookdale area. I got a couple on Wednesday, but had to put in a lot of time for those two fish." Baxter hopes we will have a late push of steelhead in the San Lorenzo this year. Steelhead season ends March 7, and we can fish with barbless hooks on weekends, Wednesdays and legal holidays. All local steelhead fishing is catch and release.